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Chocolate, Glorious Chocolate

May 05, 2000|By Michele K. Mellor. Special to the Tribune.

Some would say the historic village of Long Grove is already filled with sweet landmarks from a bygone era, but confectionery artisans are upping the ante this weekend. They're attempting to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by carving a 14,000-pound block of chocolate into a replica of the town's covered bridge. Sponsored by the Merchants Association, the First Annual Chocolate Festival, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, aspires to draw cocoa connoisseurs to a two-day smorgasbord of all things chocolate. Music, kiddie rides, prize drawings and puppet shows will round out the gala, with proceeds from many of the events benefiting the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization.

Restaurants and outdoor food booths will offer a multitude of treats including chocolate cakes, ice creams, drinks, toppings, liqueurs and jams. Many free samples and tastings promise to satisfy the strongest sweet tooth.

Dipping stations and demonstrations will offer a hands-on approach to chocolate loving, and plenty of chocolatiers will be working beneath tents to present edible works of art.

Elaine Gonzales of Northbrook, a chocolate artist and author of "The Art of Chocolate," hopes to bring the techniques of skilled pastry chefs down to the level of mere mortals during several presentations over the weekend.

"I think chocolate has its own following, but when you combine it with a party atmosphere in Long Grove, it's a sure winner," said Gonzales. For her young fans, she offers kids a chance to sculpt edible chocolate clay. "I love to work with children because they are so uninhibited."

To the further delight of children (and the dismay of dentists), coloring contests throughout the weekend will allow kids up to age 10 a chance to win their weight in chocolate.

But the piece de resistance promises to be the covered bridge replica, a savory structure sponsored by Long Grove Confectionery and Blommer Chocolate. Sculptors have been working on the 7-ton slab (it's 8 feet long, 5 feet wide and 5 feet tall) since Wednesday to finish Sunday before appreciative viewers in Fountain Square. Upon completion, 2,000 pounds of the sculpture will be raffled off to the public.

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Long Grove is at the intersection of Illinois Highways 53 and 83. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Call 847-634-0888.